U.S. fencer Alexander Massialas has major comeback to reach medal rounds
RIO DE JANEIRO — Alexander Massialas, ranked No. 1 in the world and favored to win the first U.S. gold in men’s individual foil fencing, mounted a massive comeback in his quarterfinal against Italy’s Giorgio Avola to stay alive for Sunday night’s medal rounds.
Down 14-8 and one touch from elimination, Massialas reeled off seven consecutive points to huge roars of “USA, USA” in Carioca Arena.
“I felt like every touch, one by one, I could actually do it,” Massialas said. “Never give up and I just fought my hardest and left it all out on the strip.”
Massialas, who took a year off from Stanford to train for Rio, said he would have walked out of the arena satisfied with the experience win or lose. But he undoubtedly is elated to get a shot at fulfilling his dream and that of his father, who was a three-time Olympian in fencing and has trained him since age 7.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” he said. “Luckily I came out on top this time.”